Mortar from Gaza hits Israel for first time since ceasefire

UPDATED

Hamas in Gaza reportedly arrested those responsible for launching a mortar at Israel in defiance of the ceasefire.

Following the launching of the mortar on Tuesday evening, Hamas contacted Israel through intermediaries to say it was honoring the truce and was attempting to discover the identities of the launchers in order to arrest them, Ynet reported late that day, citing unnamed security sources. Hamas later announced the arrest.

A mortar shell fired from Gaza hit Israel – the first since a ceasefire ending the most recent Hamas-Israel conflict – Israel’s military has confirmed.

The rocket landed on Tuesday evening in the Eshkol Regional Council near the border fence with Gaza, according to reports. No injuries or damage were reported. The Code Red alert siren did not sound.

Hamas denied any knowledge of the rocket launch. No other Gaza faction claimed responsibility.

“There is no sign a mortar bomb was fired from Gaza and Palestinian factions are committed to keep the agreement for calm, and eager to maintain it,” Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri said.

The launch came a day after the Code Red alert siren was sounded in the Gaza border area in what was determined to be a false alarm.

The attack came three weeks after the announcement of a ceasefire ending the 50-day conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

Also on Tuesday, Israel agreed to a deal brokered by the United Nations to rebuild Gaza.

JTA

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